Town Square

Current polling shows CCC political impact in the Tri-Valley

Original post made
by Allied News Service , another community,
on Nov 20, 2011

Dear Editor,

Polling and focus interviews are demonstating the issues of CCC machine politics south of Diablo Road and throughout the Tri-Valley. Popular candidates such as Mark DeSaulnier and Joan Buchanan face significant questions for their involvement in CCC district 2 and 3 races. Questions about candidate support, with focus on Mary Piepho, often an antagonist in the Vasco Road/580 corridor, brings community and neighborhood group objections to Mark's and Joan campaigns. That concern in neighborhoods forums is spreading north into all of districts 2 and 3 serving opponents interest in stopping Mary and bringing new candidates in both districts.

This is a big story partly displayed on this forum with more to come as news services feature the issues and the detailed backgound. It brings the question of "why is Delta region politics such a major interest in the 24/680 south corridor?"

To Hal/Ralph/CSI/Removed etc.: Your multiple posts and replies under various aliases is destroying the validity of this forum for true neighborhood feedback and discussion. I (and I believe many other readers) would appreciate if you were to stick to one name for all your posts. I would put this request out to any other forum users who feel compelled to create multiple identities for whatever purposes. Thank you.

Posted by Informed resident
a resident of another community
on Nov 21, 2011 at 9:46 pm

Hal,

Yes, let's discuss water buffalo! You see, I know about as much about water buffalo as you appear to know about Contra Costa Politics. Guess that would makes us even...then again I only use one screen name and like to play in the real world.

i agree this old fool fools no one as smart as he thinks he is one would think that he would realize he is fooling no one. but i guess that's his game pretend to be something he sure is not. if anyone has the desire to track all these phony news organizations that he pretends he represents. don't waste your time, they do not exist or if he does hit on a name they have never heard of him.. oh i forgot there is the lame duck a i a. that i now of i member that has herd of this old fool

Posted by [removed]
a resident of another community
on Nov 22, 2011 at 8:36 am

Dear Editor,

News service conference board members started with a legitimate release of corridor polling in CCC District 2, 3 and Tri-valley and EMCEB sponsored a change of subject in service to their political prejudices. We appropriately identified allied news services as the author of the research and posting. EMCEB sponsored meaningless drivel by sponsored pseudonyms in response without coverage of the current status of campaigns in the region. They simply changed the subject to pseudonyms

It raises the question of SOURCE for such posts. In this case, a global alliance of news services with corridor subscriber operations fully identified the post providing newsworthy content. In response, EMCEB sponsored responses, without reference to the subject of campaigns, changed the subject to Hal, a pseudonym ("nickname") used by those named Harold or Harald in Alamo. Certainly your readers have basis for suspecting that Ms. Informed Resident is Gina or you and Oh!riley is likely the same due to news service counsel's discovery of at least 14 pseudonyms used by EMCEB to defame commentators that challenge EMCEB's political subservience.

Conference board members' purpose, as it is with the Patch websites, is to bring newsworthy information to the home page of the Express in contrast to the press releases now posted without interest by a majority of potential Express readers. Such posts on the Express Forum are specifically to the Express editor and an invitation to others to engage in contributions to the news process. What results we have seen from posts of information from news service and our subscribers is a broader outreach for the Express into the county districts in the Express readership area. More specifically, in the past 90 days, Express readership has grown from less than 2000 readers concentrated in Danville and San Ramon traditional government-allied groups to greater than 12,000 readers in districts 2 and 3 with specific interests in the politics of emerging campaigns. EMCEB's response is more press releases and more sponsored defamation of our participation in the news process.

There is now a body of responses that collectively over the past 6 weeks fully describes EMCEB rejection of outside participation in the news process. That collection is gathered by neighborhoods' media audit team for counsel's discovery of the pseudonyms' identity and displayed to e-exchanges and news service subscribers. As a result, >88,000 district 2 and 3 neighborhoods participants are fully informed of EMCEB's purpose as a campaign outlet in political subservience. That must be continually challenged by informational postings so EMCEB's targeted readership does not believe that EMCEB has succeeded in limiting the news process.

So, the more the subject is HAL, the more the subject will be political and economic information.

Posted by Informed resident
a resident of another community
on Nov 22, 2011 at 10:21 am

HAL,

In case you have not noticed it, no one is buying it. You cannot invent your own facts and then attempt to back them up with your own rhetoric. The only one you continue to fool is yourself.

I've also got some news for you; I am not "Gina" nor do I even know who she is. I speak only for myself and post solely as Informed resident. I find it VERY ironic that YOU who obviously posts under several pseudonyms would cry foul as to such. You will have to get over your own conspiracy theories Hal as they are not productive, nor are helping your case. Perhaps you should consider another pseudonym as "The Riddler" being as the frequency that you offer up fictitious groups and inflated numbers of participants. If you have such access to these astronomical numbers why not post them? That would squelch any lingering suspicions of their very existence. Not gonna happen huh?

Your posting of polls done by acronyms and "new sources" that no one has heard of only discredits your "political and economic information" that much more. Talk about meaningless drivel…wow. If your polling is (was) legitimate, why wouldn't you post the names and numbers? That usually goes a long way to quantify a poll. Oh and by the way, who financed this "poll"? Should probably be disclosed or available through the FPPC right?

To use your own words, "It raises the question of such SOURCE for such polls".
The more useless hyperbole, pseudonyms, contrived numbers, accusations, projection and innuendo posted by HAL, the more the responses you will get from me. Hal, you really should understand the meaning of the word defamation and how it applies before you go accusing other posters of doing what you do on a regular basis. You come across as child, crying every time someone counters or challenges your nonsensical posts.

Hal/Ralph, et all: If you were to enter my tag Oh!riley in the search box at the top of this page, you will find that I have posted a handful of comments since 2009, all of them in reference to local Alamo/Danville articles. I am no way affiliated with any of the groups you mention above, nor do I have multiple handles. I am just a local resident who is frustrated by your multiple aliases, as I stated above. An email from the editor a few months ago told me that they are unable to control people like you from creating multiple user names so I thought that I would respectfully request that you stop cluttering up the forums with multiple ids. I have no desire to censor you, I just wish that you would pick one name and stick with it. That is all. Unfortunately I think your games on this Town Square Forum deter other residents for using it as an avenue to discuss local topics of interest.

Posted by [clarify]
a resident of another community
on Nov 22, 2011 at 7:53 pm

Dear Editor,

The only person I am communicating with in my posts is you. Any response to my commentary is assumed to be directed to you no matter how addressed. This is not a blog and it is an editors' forum for readers to participate in the news process. Since I am writing to you, both you and Google have my identity and contact information including e-mail address and no further identity is needed.

So let us fully agree on the posting identity used:

#1 - I use "actions" such as [removed], [clarify], and other bracketed actions to state the purpose of the posting to your attention.

#2 - I use Ralph N. Shirlet when humor is my only purpose in sharing it with you.

#3 - I use CDSI Research when the commentary is a result of research important to your news story development and is the result of members' development.

#4 - I use allied news services or subscriber news service when I am posting as a conference board member with support documentation shared with your Palo Alto AMC HQ as subscribers.

#5 - I use my DBA when I simply want to publicly acknowledge an individual such as Gayle, Joan or Richard Price.

I am only sharing commentary with you and no one else. I appreciate commentary by other readers that is directed to you for story development. I forward commentary directed to one of my assumed pseudonyms to various counsel and other relationships so they may determine response for my consideration of posting. Again, any resulting post is addressed to you as the legitimate news purpose of the forum.

As I have noted to you in private e-mail, I will provoke postings by various individuals to support the research and editorial of CDSI media associates for subscriber and e-exchange distribution. Without such purpose, I have no direct interest in the thoughts of other commentators except for their entertainment value.

If your readers or commentators wish to communicate with CDSI members and their relationships used in our postings, please contact halbailey@yahoo.com as the CDSI Member Information address for inquiries.

Posted by Informed resident
a resident of another community
on Nov 22, 2011 at 8:26 pm

Wow Hal, you sure have created a lot of rules for yourself in your (self)appointed role. Exactly when was it that you received the appointment?

Did you even consider that the Express has its own journalists that do just fine in story development. Pssst, maybe they don't need your help? Maybe they are being polite and not telling you this? I am not that polite (sorry). This is a "forum" aka; gathering place, where individuals can exchange perspectives such as information and opinion. Quite possibly this is why it is called a Town Square Forum.

From what you describe, I think you were looking for something more along the lines of letters to the editor.

There is a difference.

p.s. For someone that claims to have "no direct interest" in the thoughts of other commentators, you sure do respond a lot.
...Might want to work on that.

Posted by I.P. Freely
a resident of another community
on Nov 22, 2011 at 10:17 pm

Dear Editor,

So let us fully agree on the posting identity used:

#1 - I use Butterfly or hummingbird to state the purpose of the posting to your attention and to increase the chances of peace and love throughout the land.

#2 - I use I.P. Freely when humor is my only purpose in sharing it with you and to show your readers I watch the Simpsons.

#3 - I use (insert bogus imaginary research group name here)when the commentary is a result of research important to your news story development and is the result of the secret members' development or when I am off my meds and believe I am J. Edgar Hoover ghost and that your readers know I am currently in drag.

#4 - I use (insert ridiculously moronic name here) when I am posting as a conference board member from the planet Zinzo with support documentation and DNA evidence shared with your Palo Alto AMC HQ as your very humble universe ruler.

#5 - I use my "MLB" when I simply want to publicly acknowledge what a great game baseball is.

Posted by Truth has no agenda
a resident of another community
on Nov 23, 2011 at 8:54 am

I think people should place postings to generate discussion from others in the public for the purposes of sharing opinions and information.

Some childish responders here seem to have no life other than to criticize true communication. Sadly enough there will always be bloggers who attack posters simply because they have no real contribution to the subject yet continue to want attention.

The I680 corridor and Vasco Road do place a serious roll in politics. The thousands of cars jammed up on these two major arteries daily affect our votes to pro growth candidates such as Mary Piepho in the Vasco back up and Tomi Van de Brooke in the I680 back up.

Piecemeal patches of improvements along these corridors will place this generation of citizens in constant gridlock for the rest of their lives unless they vote different leadership. The current and past leadership have created gridlock and debt for years to come.

Posted by Truth is subjective
a resident of San Ramon
on Nov 23, 2011 at 11:24 am

Everyone has an agenda.

You don't like growth and considering that only 5% of this country is developed, I think we are doing pretty good in that regard.

The i680 area and the Vasco area has as much in common as the Highway 4 and the i680 or the 4 and Vasco or the 4 and 880 or the 4 and 24. I'm pretty sure the issues in common in i680/vasco can be extended to all areas in the bay area with traffic issues.

But hey, your truth is yours. Mine is mine, hal's is hal's. But don't think for a second that "truth" has no agenda, that would be denying years of research into the human experience/condition.

Posted by Truth is subjective
a resident of San Ramon
on Nov 23, 2011 at 12:30 pm

Awesome, But your expecting the cart before the horse when it comes to infrastructure. All over the state, counties and cities are darn near bankrupt. We could argue/have a conversation for hours on what is the cause of the fiscal problems facing local governments, but there just isn't money. Another problem is lack of space to widen/improve infrastructure.

In your opinion, Truth, how can we improve the infrastructure problems we face?

As to... "new, honest, and responsible leaders starting at the local level." You more than likely have that, but you have an "agenda". Sorry, that was too easy.

Posted by Truth has no agenda
a resident of another community
on Nov 23, 2011 at 1:26 pm

Everyone has an agenda except the truth. The previous comment backs up my concerns. No state money and darn near bankrupt are results in lack of foresight and fiscal responsibility. Many Government leaders today spend away the money the government has and commit to what the government does not have. This same destructive method is used with our current local government leaders when it comes to development. Development is always financed. The "cart" trying to drive on the road before the road is made is a ridiculous sequence. Yet for the price of special interest, political contributions, and higher profits current leaders succumb to developers for less than the actual needed mitigation. This is why we are here, this is why many developers are multi millionaires, and this is a slice of the 99% issue today. Broken influenced leadership. This is again why we need a change so desperately. If a developer can afford to develop, then they should be able to afford (or finance) infrastructure first. The only thing that excuses this today is our problematic special interest politicians. Contra Costa is a prime example with the lack of infrastructure and the burden of billion dollar unfunded liability. This coming election will allow voters to change the path of financial destruction to a new beginning of correction. We do not have much time left to change leadership before chaos sets in.

Posted by Truth is subjective
a resident of San Ramon
on Nov 23, 2011 at 2:21 pm

I think we have a fundamental issue to address. Your "truth" is opinion. Truth is subjective. Since you seem to be missing this absolute "truth", subjective means "placing excessive emphasis on one's own moods, attitudes, opinions".

It's important to understand that politicians don't set mitigation fees. Local governments hire consultants that run the data through filters and come up with numbers.

I think it's great you have an opinion, but please don't confuse it for fact or truth for that matter. From your diatribe it is clear you know very little about public policy. I'm not trying to be rude. I think it's great you have so much bravado, but if we are going to have an honest conversation about policy, (which this county, state, and country really needs) we have to leave talking points and sounds bits at the door.

Posted by Informed resident
a resident of another community
on Nov 23, 2011 at 3:02 pm

Truth Has no Agenda,

...But obviously YOU do!

Tomi VandeBrooke and Mary Piepho pro growth? Responsible for the gridlock on Vasco, 580 and 680? Reallllly?
You have the facts and figures to back that up right?? This wouldn't be more of a not so transparent agenda, posted under just another screen name would it? This wouldn't be purposely misguided opinion that you are trying to dress up as truth would it? If you think it is the "truth" then you have no idea what you are talking about- most of these transportation issues have to do with state agencies-not county. But you already knew that right?

VandeBrooke has not been in an elected position could promotes or deny growth. Piepho's tenure on the board of supervisors has not exactly been through an economic period where much (if any) housing, aka; growth has been approved. So what is it exactly that you are accusing the two of them of again? Pro-growth? Yeah right! The growth that you are referring to was approved decades ago, of which current politicians are trying to wrestle with as budgets are diminishing. That is the harsh reality that you need to come to grips with, rather than inventing your own truth based on nonsensical opinion. How long have you lived here? Ask yourself; are you part of the problem or part of the solution? These problems have manifested in our county over decades and yet you expect someone to come along and fix them on your time line. You really are dreaming if you think there is any truth to that.

Posted by Harald A. Bailey
a resident of another community
on Nov 23, 2011 at 3:18 pm

Dear Editor,

You are provided a unique subject for a separate exchange on your town square forum and the example of the Magee and Weber Ranch development to be an indicator of how local and county governments treat the issues of burden on infrastructure versus development of further tax and fee basis.

In this exchange the question become the ability to find truth in the campaigns that have shifted into the tri-valley and how that shift redefines Contra Costa politics. Thus, after enjoying interesting content and entertaining emotions, you might invite TRUTH to be defined and determine, base on my direct e-mail to you, whether TRUTH exists in its popular and legal definitions.

Posted by Vasco Commuter
a resident of another community
on Nov 23, 2011 at 8:32 pm

Vasco ? Did someone say Vasco ??
I am sick and tired of sitting in bumper to bumper traffic on Vasco Road. It never use to be this way. I started driving the old road and made better time than now. Why can't they just make a separate road instead of screwing up what's already there ? To make matters worse instead of duplicating what is there we have to sit and watch construction chew up part of the new road to make more newer road while our gas tanks go dry. What a waste of everyone's time and our money. Did I sit in stopped traffic for a year on Vasco for them to put a left turn lane to nowhere ?

Posted by Don Flint
a resident of another community
on Nov 23, 2011 at 10:14 pm

Mary Piepho is pro-growth like her developer advocate pal Tom Koch and the other folks who supported Measure F in Brentwood. Fortunately Mary and Koch (and Dave Piepho even piped in) were unsuccessful in their attempt to develop more homes we don't need in the foothills of Mount Diablo. Congrats to Save Mount Diablo, Kathy Griffin, and the voters of Brentwood in handing the pro-growth agenda a stunning defeat.

I think people like "informed" should admit the obvious about Mary's pro-growth agenda. Then they can explain to the rest of us the reasons for the pro-growth stance. How will the county be better when/if New Farms proceeds?

How would thousands of new homes in Brentwood have benefited the city and county.

And assuming Mary decides to really come clean, she can share her position on Project Labor Agreements.

The point is, rather than deny what other people say, just step up and make your views clear. Unless you/Mary are worried about the electorate's reactions to Mary's positions, why not share them?